Introducing Balaju
The industrial centre of Balaju is less than 3km north of Thamel, just beyond the Ring Rd, but the capital has virtually swallowed up this nearby suburb. The only reasons to come here are to see the sleeping Vishnu image in Mahendra Park or hike in the nearby Nagarjun Forest Reserve.
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The 18th-century gardens at Balaju, now known as Mahendra Park (admission Rs 5; 7am-7pm), are somewhat of a disappointment - there's a lot of concrete and litter. Most interesting are the statues in the right-hand corner as you enter the park. The famous Balaju Vishnu image is said to be a copy of the older image at Budhanilkantha.
Apart from the Vishnu image, there are a couple of small temples, an interesting group of chörtens (Tibetan Buddhist stupas) and lingams. The 19th-century Shitala Mai Temple stands in front of the Vishnu image. The 22 painted waterspouts from which the park takes its local name, Bais Dhara Balaju, are in the centre of the park.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: First time in Nepal - silly questions
by jakecb 21 January 2011
Hi elinab, I just thought of solving your query. The bus station from where you can leave for Pokhara is the "new bus park" at Balaju,…
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RE: What's the wildest, most fun, or most original thing you've done in KTM?
by la_vache 20 April 2008
Visit the Balaju water park; costs 2 Rs to get in, and I'm pretty sure you'll be the only tourist there. You'll probably see a couple…
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Nepal-Warning: Nagarjun jungle
by __ 05 January 2006
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As for me, I found Nagarjun all on my own, had been staying in KTM for over a month (being sick) and it was in…
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